Jacqueline Evans said: “Seabed mining also has a direct impact on the biodiversity that lives on and around the nodules and the disposal of sediment from the ship will impact marine life that encounters it in the water column.”

Evans said she wants the Cook Islands to focus on investments that “do not solely rely on extractive activities”.

Three companies are in the process of getting the exploration licence, CIIC Seabed Resources Limited - which is half-owned by the Cook Island Government, CIC Limited and Moana Minerals.

The exploration licences are now being evaluated by a panel of 10, that will recommend to the Seabed Minister Mark Brown what companies should be given a licence. Brown, who is also the country’s Prime Minister, will then make the final decision.

Exploration licences could be approved or denied early next year and the exploration could also start in 2022.

According to seabed minerals commissioner Herman, the exploration will also mean 10 per cent of the seabed will be mapped. She said it would also mean the Cook Islands will learn more about the deep ocean environment.